Even if you haven’t taken a learning styles quiz, you can probably determine whether or not your child is an auditory learner by knowing this one characteristic: they like to talk—a lot! Auditory learners not only like the sound of their own voice, though. They prefer to take in the world by listening rather than seeing or touching. Since so much of learning to read is about learning distinct sounds, auditory learners have an advantage.
A few months back, I posted about the importance of knowing your child’s learning style. Hopefully, you took some time to take the quiz and find out just exactly how your little one’s brain ticks. If not, check out this quick learning styles quiz.
I mentioned in the post that my Kindergartener is extremely kinesthetic. That is, she learns best by touching or doing, not listening or seeing. Since many teachers tend to use primarily verbal and auditory teaching methods, these types of learners can have a rough time when learning to read, or learning anything else for that matter! It’s not that these kids are incapable of learning. Oh no! It’s that they learn in way that is different from how most educators teach, which clearly puts them at a disadvantage.
Dwindling budgets have forced art programs across the country out of our public school systems, much to the dismay of many teachers and educators who have long respected art as not just a second recess (as some mistakenly perceive it), but as a key part of a child’s schooling. We know that the arts can help students develop critical thinking skills, special intelligence, and of course, creativity, but did you know that art can also enhance literacy? Here’s how.
As you may suspect, I’m not only a regular contributor to this blog, but I’m also a Red Apple Reading customer, so I wanted to let you know how Katie is progressing with her lessons and share some thoughts on the effectiveness of the program from a parent’s perspective. And what better day to share than on Read Across America Day! Quick disclaimer: though I’m obviously a member of the team here, you have my word that my opinions are my own and as unbiased as possible!
If you own a Smartphone or have ever sent a message via Twitter, then odds are, the answer is “yes.” So, if we grown-ups slaughter the English language on a regular basis and still retain the capacity to speak and write in an articulate way, then it’s OK for the kiddos too, right? Well, not so fast.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share some unique ways of showering your child with love on this special holiday while simultaneously encouraging his love for reading. Am I suggesting you forego the traditional heart-shaped box of chocolates? Not necessarily. Just consider adding a little something special to your child’s Valentine’s gift this year, something that will remind him that you not only love him but are supportive of his literacy acquisition as well. Remember, your Valentine’s Day “gift” doesn’t necessarily need to be something your child can hold.
In honor of Digital Learning Day 2013, we wanted to share some strategies for helping your child acquire the skills to learn online in a safe and healthy way. Read on to learn about digital literacy instruction.
If you’ve been following the blog, then you know that I’ve been seriously considering homeschooling my 10-year old son. Although there are many, many concerns that need to be addressed before I make such an important decision, chief among them are the issues of time and resources. Although I work from home, I actually do put in a lot of hours, so much of Billy’s learning would need to be self-guided. And, like everyone else these days, we are clamping down on our household budget, so we don’t want to hand over large sums of money for a homeschooling curriculum.
This is the question I have been asking myself for the last few months. Before this school year started, I wrote this post about the growing number of families who are opting for educating their children at home rather than sending them off to public school. Ironically, I may soon be joining their ranks. Since I believe that homeschooling is good for some, but not all children, I’m not considering homeschooling all of my school-aged kids, just one.
Do your kids come home talking about how boring school is? Are you worried that most of what they’re learning is either rote memorization or standardized test material? You’re not alone, and unfortunately, your fears may not be entirely unwarranted.